Over the past week, readers navigated to our 2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 4MATIC Review more than any other.

The car is powered by a 4.6-liter bi-turbo V8 that makes 402 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, mated exclusively to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Can this German luxury car handle every situation we throw at it, including a harsh winter? Read the review to find out.

Next up is the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD Review. Chevy has outfitted its heavy duty trucks with the interior amenities that were introduced in the brand’s new half-tons, though mechanically not much has been changed this year. There is a 6.0-liter gasoline engine available, but most customers will get the 6.6-liter Diesel with 765 lb-ft of torque and 397 hp.

Third on the list this week is the 2014 MINI Cooper S Hardtop Review. The 2014 Mini Cooper S Hardtop starts at $24,385 including $795 for shipping and handling. Cooper S’s are powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four that cranks out 189 hp with 207 lb-ft of torque.

Next up, the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage. Can the cheapest car on the market do anything that makes it stand out in the subcompact field? Check out the review for our thoughts.

Last this week is the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid. It is powered by a 2.5-liter supercharged four-cylinder and a 15 kW electric motor that make a total of 250 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque.

So whether you’re shopping for a new car and looking for advice, you want to keep up to date on the auto industry or you’re just looking for a good read, check out the hotlinks to each of the stories below and see more new car reviews here.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/03/read-car-reviews-week-february-23-march-2.html/feed0more]]>Lexus IS 250 and Infiniti Q50 not Recommend by Consumer Reportshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/10/lexus-is-250-and-infiniti-q50-not-recommend-by-consumer-reports.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/10/lexus-is-250-and-infiniti-q50-not-recommend-by-consumer-reports.html#commentsWed, 23 Oct 2013 18:59:30 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=219602Lexus IS 250 and Infiniti Q50 not Recommend by Consumer ReportsLike it or not Consumer Reports is an extremely influential publication. Buyers pay close attention to the products they recommend, especially when it comes to cars. If a particular vehicle fails to earn the outlet’s accolades you can bet people will shy away. Surprisingly two Japanese luxury sedans failed to make the grade. Neither the... more]]>Like it or not Consumer Reports is an extremely influential publication. Buyers pay close attention to the products they recommend, especially when it comes to cars. If a particular vehicle fails to earn the outlet’s accolades you can bet people will shy away. Surprisingly two Japanese luxury sedans failed to make the grade.

Neither the Lexus IS 250 AWD nor the Infiniti Q50 are recommended by Consumer Reports. The Lexus failed because of its lackluster performance in testing while the Infiniti is simply too new.

The magazine’s editors found the IS to be neither “sporty nor luxurious.” They also took issue with its acceleration; they said it “lacks punch.” While far from the fastest vehicle on the road today we found the IS 250’s go-power to be more than adequate, even with the added weight and friction of all-wheel drive.

The folks at Consumer Reports were also no fans of the car’s “cramped interior,” “vague steering” and “elevated” road noise. Additionally their observed fuel economy was pretty disappointing. The crew managed to squeeze just 21 miles per gallon out of the Lexus. Its EPA rating is 20 in the city and 27 on the highway, making for a combined score of 23.

Overall the Q50 earned a “Very Good” score, better than the IS 250, but again it’s too new to be recommended at this time. Editors thought it was a step back from its all-around great predecessor. They found the handling “mundane” and the interior not very quiet.

More strikes against it, they found the Infiniti’s cabin not particularly luxurious and its infotainment system slow to respond.